An evaluation of thermomagnetic motors for heat energy harvesting

This paper presents a quantitative evaluation of a linear and rotary type of thermomagnetic motors for their suitability for heat energy harvesting. Mathematical models of the thermomagnetic motors are developed and the output characteristics of the thermomagnetic motors simulated using these models. The result shows that the power transfer in the linear motor is more effective than in the rotary device under similar operating conditions. The linear device does require a higher temperature source for activation but consumes less heat once the device is in motion. It is observed that output from each device can be further enhanced by appropriate selection of the operating point to match the design of the device. For instance, operating the rotary device at lower speeds and finding the right balance between heating and cooling rates does yield more output from the device.